The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, alongside the member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on National Inland Waterways, Ojotu Ojema, on Friday, paid a joint condolence visit to communities in Akpete/Ojantele Council Ward following recent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Communities including Ojantele, Akpete, Omelemu, Ataganyi, and Asaba in Apa Local Government Area have come under sustained and deadly attacks in recent weeks, resulting in the loss of numerous lives and the displacement of thousands of residents.
Speaking during the visit at Ojantele, Senator Moro expressed deep concern over the continued insecurity in the area.
He recalled that he had earlier presented a motion on the floor of the Senate regarding the escalating violence in Benue South, and said he was shocked that such attacks could still occur in Ojantele, a community located along a major road.
“I’m ashamed and tired of always bringing the same sad news to my colleagues in the Senate,” Moro lamented. These atrocities must stop.”
He assured the people of ongoing efforts, both his and that of Rep Ojema, to restore peace to the affected communities and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
Also speaking, Ojema expressed grief over the incessant and unprovoked killings, particularly in his constituency.
“In fact,” he said, “both of us were abroad on official engagements when the attacks occurred. Upon our return, we immediately went on national radio and television to condemn the attacks.”
Ojema emphasized that their visit was to identify with the people in their grief and to assure them of determined action.
He also cautioned a few youths who, he said, are being used by failed politicians to politicize the crisis instead of rallying support for their beleaguered communities.
“It is tantamount to mocking your own grieving parents when you choose to insult leaders who are working round the clock to end this bloodshed,” he said.
“Redirect your energy and data to call the attention of the State, Federal Government, and the international community to our people’s suffering.”
Responding on behalf of the communities, the Och’Ojantele, HRH Chief Emmanuel Edoh, expressed appreciation for the lawmakers’ visit, saying it had rekindled hope and given the people a renewed sense of belonging.
He also thanked Chief Ojema for initiating the ongoing Ojantele Earth Dam project and prayed for its successful completion.
Edoh further called for the deployment of Mobile Police units to Ojantele and commended the youths for their resilience in the face of adversity.
The lawmakers also visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa LGA, where they sympathized with the victims and assured them of concerted efforts to enable their return home and the resumption of farming and other livelihoods.
